Slowing the Constitution Pipeline Approval

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Binghamton, NY (WBNG Binghamton) In a push to slow the approval of the possible Constitution Pipeline, some local politicians and potentially affected citizens gathered to share their objections to the gas pipeline.

The Constitution Pipeline is currently in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's pre-application public scoping process.

If approved, the more than 100 mile pipeline would run from near Binghamton, up to Albany.

Speakers said they are concerned about health and environmental impacts and fear the company will use eminent domain to use their land.

"This pipeline is of no value to most people," said Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan (D). "They want to take it by eminent domain. They want to take people's property."

"Our lives and safety are marginalized, written off as a social cost, collateral damage in the corporate rush to turn our yards and pastures into gas fields to maximize corporate profit," said Rebecca Roter.

Action News spoke with a representative from Constitution Pipeline who said over the past year, they have worked to facilitate interaction with those who have an interest in the project.

They are looking at more than 100 different routes for the pipeline based on public input.

The spokesperson said they would move on the eminent domain process as a last resort.

On Wednesday, a public hearing on the pipeline has been scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the Foothills Theatre in Oneonta.